CONTACT

Home and Housing Resources for Seniors 


Caregiver Support System

Ottawa Public Health provides telephone counselling, information and services to support people who care for older adults.

For more information, contact Ottawa Public Health:


Garbage collection (special considerations)

If you or someone you care for needs to have weekly collection of waste diapers or incontinence products, you can register for the City’s Special Consideration Waste program. Participating households can place one bag of waste diapers and incontinence products out for collection every week.

To register for the Special Consideration Waste program:


Home Support Services

Home Support Services can help you with light housekeeping tasks such as sweeping floors, cleaning bathrooms, changing bed linens, and laundry.

The program is available to people who:

  • Receive support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) OR
  • Have a low income and limited assets
  • And live with some type of limitation so they are unable to complete these tasks on their own

You must apply for the program and provide financial information. To apply or get more information:

  • Call 3-1-1, select your language of choice, then press 4 for Social Services, then press 3 to apply


Library Delivery Service (Homebound Services)

Homebound Services provides free delivery of Ottawa Public Library (OPL) materials to Ottawa residents who are unable to visit the Library regularly due to age, illness or disability. OPL delivers to individual homes, retirement residences and long-term care facilities.

To find out more about the Library’s Homebound Services:


Snow clearing (Snow Go and Snow Go Assist)

There are two Snow Go programs funded by the City of Ottawa to help older adults (60+) and people with disabilities.

  • The Snow Go Coordination program can help you find a contractor and get snow cleared from your private driveway and walkway at your own cost. 
  • Through the Snow Go Assist program you may qualify for financial help to pay for snow clearing, if you have a low income, and are unable to clear the snow yourself. You must apply and provide financial information to the seniors community support agency providing the Snow Go programs in your neighbourhood. 


Ontario Renovates program

This program provides financial support for home repairs and renovations to help seniors (65+) and people with disabilities live independently. It is open to:

  • Seniors who own their home and have a low income
  • People with disabilities who own their home and have a low income
  • Landlords who want to modify existing units or buildings to make them more accessible

To apply for the Ontario Renovates program or to get more information:

  • Call the Ontario Renovates program at 613-580-2424 (extension 12300)
  • Call 3-1-1


Property tax deferral for seniors

If you are aged 65 or older, own your home, and are living on a low income, you may qualify for one of the City of Ottawa’s tax deferral programs. The City offers two programs – Full and Partial Property Tax Deferral. Both programs allow eligible people to defer payment of some or all property tax. These programs are also open to people with a disability who have a low income.

The two programs have different requirements. To find out more about Property Tax Deferral:





Secondary dwelling units (space for live-in care or for renting out)

You may be able to create a secondary dwelling unit (also called an in-law suite) in your home. A secondary dwelling unit is a self-contained set of rooms that includes both a kitchen and a bathroom. You must meet a number of conditions before starting.

For more information about secondary dwelling units:

  • Call 3-1-1 and ask to speak to a Development Information Officer

 

Social housing

If you have a low income, you may be able to apply for social housing. Rent for these units is geared to your income. The Social Housing Registry of Ottawa maintains a centralized waiting list for all social housing in Ottawa.

To apply for a social housing unit:


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